Moray's mystery life-saver comes forward
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A LOCAL life-saver has come forward after an appeal from an eternally grateful mother.
Linda Cunningham, from Old Leslie near Inverurie, contacted the Northern Scot to put out an appeal to find the woman who saved the life of her son Chris Cunningham (25), after he got into trouble and nearly drowned in Hopeman.
After her story was featured in last Friday's edition, Rona Valentine-Birnie (44) and Cath Lyall (46), both teachers in Moray, came forward as the two women who helped save Christopher's life.
While Cath threw a ring into the sea, Ms Valentine-Birnie jumped in and held Mr Cunningham before she swam with him and helped drag him to safety.
The Northern Scot put Mrs Cunningham and Ms Valentine-Birnie in touch and they have arranged to meet in a few weeks – after the birth of dad-to-be Christopher's child.
After speaking with Rona, Mrs Cunningham (64) said: "What a lovely lady she is, she sounds just like a mum. I think she was a bit embarrassed and not wanting a fuss.
"I know Chris is 25 but he's my baby. I asked Rona if I could have an address for flowers. A thank you is not enough, flowers are not enough. Nothing is enough.
"She only asked me for one thing and that is to meet the new baby. She gave me an address where I can send flowers to.
"It could be a totally different story. I said to her 'you were my son's guardian angel'."
Ms Valentine-Birnie said she spoke to Mrs Cunningham for about 10 minutes. She added: "She is very sweet and was just saying thank you and that she was relieved her son was OK.
"Somebody is always your baby no matter what age they are and she was just so grateful to both of us (Rona and Cath). It's nice connection to have with Christopher's mother now."
Ms Valentine-Birnie works as a singer-song writer in the music duo Valentine and Richardson, while Ms Lyall is a teacher at Gordonstoun. Both have children of their own.
Ms Valentine-Birnie was keen to stress a safety message.
She said: "It's great people play in the harbour, feel free and be adventurous. These things happen quite quickly and then everything is OK again. There is a fine line between a bad outcome and life carrying on as normal.
"I wouldn't encourage people to jump into the sea (to save someone else) unless it is a last resort and they totally know what they are doing.
"Christopher looked in proper trouble that's why I went in straight away but, unless you are a lifesaver, you should look for help.
"If there is anything to learn its the procedure, which is reach, float, call and think. It's always important to make sure you know where life-rings are when you're at the beach."
Ms Lyall, who dragged the pair to the harbour wall with the help of a local fisherman, added: "Nobody did anything wrong but you have to be careful. Even the strongest of swimmers are not stronger than the tide."
